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  • Coffee Culture in Italy: The 5 Commandments

    Coffee Culture in Italy: The 5 Commandments

    A look at the 5 Commandment in coffee culture:

    It is a well-known fact that the Italians love their coffees. They have also invented a coffee culture that is unparalleled to any other place in the world. The coffee drinking habits and culture of the Italians may not be easy for foreigners to understand, but these habits are considered as the norm in Italy. As the saying goes, when you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Italy, drink coffee as the Italians do.

    Coffee is so much a part of Italian culture that the idea of not drinking it is as foreign as the idea of having to explain its rituals. These rituals are set in stone and not always easy for outsiders to understand. In fact, as in any self-respecting cult, they are made deliberately hard to comprehend, so that the initiated can recognise each other over the bar counter without the need for a curious handshake.

     

    The Five Coffee Commandments

    1. Do not order yourself a cappuccino, caffé latte, or any other milky variations of coffee after the morning has passed. The Italians cannot stomach the idea of consuming hot milk after having a full meal.
    2. An espresso is the default cup of coffee you will get when you order yourself a serving in coffee places throughout the country. The term ‘espresso’ is not used – instead, locals place orders for their coffee with the term ‘un caffè’, which refers to a single espresso.
    3. A single espresso may not look like much, but do not belittle this tiny cup of caffeine, for an Italian espresso is known to pack a powerful punch.

    If you think you are in need of a huge jolt of energy, you may choose to order a double espresso (un caffè doppio). However, do note that this is uncommon among the locals. The Italians do drink ample amounts of coffee, but they usually consume them in small doses throughout the day.

    1. Like your coffee strong, but want to have something other than an espresso? Order yourself a cup of caffè lungo, which is an espresso with hot water added to it. This beverage is less diluted compared to the caffè americano.
    2. If you really cannot imagine having coffee without a single drop of milk, a cup of caffè macchiato will float your boat. This coffee, unlike the type of macchiato that is served in places outside of Italy, refers to an espresso containing a tiny froth of milk.

     

    Caffè Molinari South Africa is the sole importer of Caffe Molinari in the country for over 15 years supplying restaurants, coffee shops and food sectors. And considering that this is Caffé Molinari South Africa, the rules for drinking coffee aren’t nearly as strict as they are in Italy, as we encompass the best of Italian coffee and South African culture. Caffé Molinari takes pride in personal customer attention and satisfaction, and we distribute nationally.